Hammond added: “You have to trust and have faith in the people at the top of the club.

“I’ve worked with Sir John and Nigel Howe (chief executive) for many years and the longevity and future of this club is key. They will deal with that situation now.

“I have great faith that they will find the right people going forward.”

Since Madejski started his search for new owners, several groups from across the globe have been linked with a takeover bid at Reading FC .

The latest are from Italy, led by businessman Francesco Becchetti who watched Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town from the stands at Madejski Stadium.

Getreading.co.uk was told that former Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini helped broker the discussions, but a source at the club has vehemently denied those claims and says Paladini is nothing to do with Becchetti's takeover attempt.